Image recording apparatus and application device thereof

ABSTRACT

An image recording apparatus which effects digital exposure while aiming for compactness. An exposure unit digitally exposes a photosensitive material successively while moving above a stage. An application unit moves from the rear side of the exposure unit and applies water successively to the photosensitive material. A superposing unit moves from the rear side of the application unit, and successively superposes an image-receiving material on the photosensitive material. Heat development transfer is carried out, and an image is obtained on the image-receiving material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus whichexposes an image on a photosensitive material and superposes thephotosensitive material and an image-receiving material and effects heatdevelopment transfer so as to obtain an image on the image-receivingmaterial, and to an application device used in the image recordingapparatus and applying a solvent for image formation onto thephotosensitive material to obtain an image on the photosensitivematerial.

2. Description of the Related Art

There exist image recording apparatuses which expose a photosensitivematerial, apply a solvent for image formation to the exposedphotosensitive material, superpose an image-receiving material on thephotosensitive material to which the solvent has been applied so thatheat development transfer is carried out, so as to obtain an image onthe image-receiving material. In this type of conventional imagerecording apparatus, exposure, application and heat development transferhave conventionally been carried out on respectively different stages.More specifically, the photosensitive material is exposed at an exposurestage. Thereafter, the photosensitive material is conveyed andapplication is carried out at an application stage which is separatefrom the exposure stage. Thereafter, the photosensitive material isagain conveyed, an image-receiving material is superposed thereon, andheat development transfer is carried out at a transfer stage which isseparate from the exposure stage and the application stage.

Effecting exposure, application and heat development transfer atrespectively separate stages leads to the apparatus becoming larger onthe whole. Further, although there are conventional apparatuses in whichan image of a document on a document stand is directly exposed onto thephotosensitive material, the implementation of an image recordingapparatus in which the image is once read by a memory or the like anddigitally exposed is desirable.

Further, in conventional image recording apparatuses such as thosedescribed above, the photosensitive material image-exposed in theexposure section is exposed with the ambient temperature at an ordinarytemperature. However, the characteristics, color density and colorbalance of a photosensitive material change easily due to variations inthe temperature at the time of exposure. As a result, variations in theambient temperature at the time of exposure are an obstacle to obtainingstable images of high image quality. In particular, in order to make theimage recording apparatus more compact on the whole, the heatdevelopment transfer section must be disposed in a vicinity of theexposure section. The variations in temperature of the heat developmenttransfer section affect the exposure section, and countermeasures areneeded to overcome this drawback.

There exist image recording apparatuses which expose the image of adocument onto a photosensitive material, superpose an image-receivingmaterial onto the photosensitive material after exposure, and effectheat development transfer so as to obtain an image on theimage-receiving material. Here, when heat development transfer iscarried out with the photosensitive material and the image-receivingmaterial affixed together and entrained about a drum, while the drumrotates, the photosensitive material is peeled from the drum byutilizing a pawl, and the image-receiving material is peeled from thephotosensitive material by utilizing a pawl different from theaforementioned pawl. Pawls are thereby needed, and need for two types ofpawls results in a lack of stability in peeling.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the aforementioned, an object of the present invention is toprovide an image recording apparatus which enables digital exposurewhile aiming for compactness.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image recordingapparatus in which, even if the photosensitive characteristics of aphotosensitive material vary easily due to variations in temperature,fluctuations in color density and color balance can be reduced so thatstable images of high image quality can be obtained.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an imagerecording apparatus in which pawls are not needed for peeling so thatpeeling of a photosensitive material and an image-receiving material iseffected stably.

Still other objects of the present invention are to provide recording ofimages of high image quality by uniformly and stably applying a solventto a photosensitive material, and to aim for conservation of electricpower and a decrease in the start-up time of the image recordingapparatus.

The present invention is an image recording apparatus in which an imageis exposed on a photosensitive material, the photosensitive material andan image-receiving material are superposed and heat development transferis effected so that an image is obtained on the image-receivingmaterial, comprising: exposure means for exposing the image onto thephotosensitive material; a stage which holds the photosensitivematerial; an application unit which applies a solvent for imageformation onto the photosensitive material held on the stage; asuperposing unit which superposes the image-receiving material on thephotosensitive material held on the stage; and heating means for heatingthe photosensitive material and the image-receiving material which aresuperposed together and held on the stage.

The exposure means exposes an image onto the photosensitive material.With the photosensitive material entrained about and held at the stage,the application unit applies a solvent for image formation to thephotosensitive material, the superposing unit superposes theimage-receiving material on the photosensitive material, and thesuperposed photosensitive material and image-receiving material areheated by the heating means. Namely, an image can be exposed onto thephotosensitive material by the exposure means moving or by thephotosensitive means moving.

Further, after the photosensitive material is exposed by the exposuremeans, on the common stage, the solvent for image formation is applied,the image-receiving material is superposed on the photosensitivematerial, and heat development transfer onto the image-receivingmaterial is carried out, so that an image is obtained on theimage-receiving material. Accordingly, because the stage is used incommon, there is no need to provide separate stages as in theconventional art, and the apparatus can be made more compact. Morespecifically, conveying means between stages, e.g., rollers or the like,are not needed, and fewer parts can be used and manufacturing costsdecrease. Further, the conveying distance is shortened, and theprocessing speed is made faster.

The heat for the solvent for image formation when the solvent is appliedand the heat needed for heat development transfer are obtained by, forexample, heating the stage. Because a common heating means can be used,energy can be conserved and the apparatus can be made even more compact.

The image of the document may be scan-exposed onto the photosensitivematerial by moving the exposure means in one direction relatively to thephotosensitive material. At the time of exposure, the exposure means isfixed and successively scan-exposes the moving photosensitive material.Therefore, focusing of the exposure means is easy. For example, if theexposure means is positioned above the stage, the exposure means exposesthe image of the document from above the stage, and therefore, theapparatus can be made even more compact. On the other hand, by effectingscan-exposure by moving the exposure means, application of the solventfor image formation, superposing of the image-receiving material on thephotosensitive material, heat development transfer onto theimage-receiving material, as well as exposure can be effected at acommon stage, and the apparatus can be made more compact.

Further, if the exposure means effects sub-scanning by moving in onedirection relatively to the photosensitive material and carries outdigital exposure onto the photosensitive material by main scanning alight beam in a direction orthogonal to the sub-scanning direction,digital exposure at high speed is made possible by using, for example, apolygon mirror or the like. If the exposure means carries out digitalexposure planarly onto the photosensitive material, the processing speedis made faster.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view, seen along a moving direction of respective units suchas an exposure unit, of an image recording apparatus relating to a firstembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a stage at which exposure and the likeare effected.

FIG. 3 is a view of a stage seen along front-and-back directionsthereof.

FIG. 4 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 at the time that the respectiveunits such as the exposure unit are at stop positions.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of an application unit seen froma moving direction thereof.

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a process of a superposing unitsuperposing an image-receiving material onto a photosensitive materialon the stage.

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a process of peeling the photosensitivematerial and the image-receiving material when the photosensitivematerial and the image-receiving material are discharged off of thestage.

FIG. 8 is a time chart of the respective units such as the exposure unitand the like.

FIG. 9 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 and illustrating an applicationprocess of an application unit after FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 and illustrating anapplication process of an application unit after FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a planar-exposure means in an imagerecording apparatus of a second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a view of another planar-exposure means.

FIG. 13 is a view of yet another planar-exposure means.

FIG. 14 is a front view illustrating an image recording apparatusrelating to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a view of a stage seen along front-and-back directionsthereof.

FIG. 16 is an overall schematic structural view of an exposure unit.

FIG. 17 is a view illustrating an arrangement of LEDs.

FIG. 18 is a view corresponding to FIG. 14 at the time that respectiveunits are at stop positions.

FIG. 19 is a view illustrating a process of a superposing unitsuperposing an image-receiving material onto a photosensitive materialon the stage.

FIG. 20 is a view illustrating a process of peeling the photosensitivematerial and the image-receiving material then the photosensitivematerial and the image-receiving material are discharged off of thestage.

FIG. 21 is a time chart of the respective units such as the exposureunit and the like.

FIG. 22 is an enlarged view illustrating main portions of an imagerecording apparatus of a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 23 is an enlarged view illustrating main portions of an imagerecording apparatus of a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 24 is an enlarged view illustrating main portions of an imagerecording apparatus of a sixth embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment!

A first embodiment of the image recording apparatus relating to thepresent invention will be described hereinafter on the basis of FIGS. 1through 10.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a stage 12 (temperature raising means) isprovided at a central portion within a base stand 10. The stage 12 isshaped as a flat-plate and is disposed horizontally. More specifically,as illustrated in FIG. 2, the stage 12 is formed of three layers: asheet plate 15 is interposed between an aluminum plate 14 at the uppersurface side and a stainless plate 16 at the lower surface side. Thesheet plate 15 is provided with heat plates 18 (three, for example)which serve as heating means and are disposed in a row. By supplyingelectricity to the heat plates 18, the temperature of the entire uppersurface of the stage 12 can be raised (heated) to and maintained at, forexample, 80° C. The size of the stage may be set arbitrarily, and maybe, for example, a size corresponding to A6 size.

A first roller 20 is provided at a position lower than the stage 12 atthe front end side thereof (the right end side in FIG. 1). A heatdevelopment photosensitive material 22 (hereinafter, "photosensitivematerial 22") serving as a photosensitive material is wound around thefirst roller 20 so as to be accommodated in a roll form. Thephotosensitive material 22 includes a photosensitive silver halide, abinder, a dye-providing material, and a reducing agent on top of asupporting body. The photosensitive surface of the photosensitivematerial 22 faces upward when the photosensitive material 22 iswithdrawn from the first roller 20 and is held horizontally on the stage12 as will be described later.

A second roller 24 is provided under the stage 12 and adjacent to thefirst roller 20. The photosensitive material 22, which has been pulledout from the first roller 20 and which extends across the stage 12 fromthe front end to the rear end (left end in FIG. 1) thereof, is taken uponto the second roller 24. Nip rollers 26 are disposed between the frontend of the stage 12 and the first roller 20. If the nip rollers 26 aredriven to rotate in the direction of arrow A and the second roller 24 isdriven to rotate in the direction of arrow B, as the first roller 20rotates in the direction of arrow C, the photosensitive material 22 ispulled out from the first roller 20, moves on the stage 12 in thedirection of arrow D (from the front end toward the rear end of thestage 12), and is pulled and taken-up by the second roller 24.Conversely, if the first roller 20 is driven to rotate in the directionopposite to the direction of arrow C and the nip rollers 26 are drivento rotate in the direction opposite the direction of arrow A, thephotosensitive material 22 moves on the stage 12 in the direction ofarrow E which is opposite to the direction of arrow D. Thephotosensitive material 22 is rewound from the second roller 24 onto thefirst roller 20 as the second roller 24 rotates in the directionopposite to the direction of arrow B.

In this way, the photosensitive material 22 can be pulled out from thefirst roller 20 and taken-up onto the second roller 24 such that apredetermined length thereof is supplied onto the stage 12. Conversely,a predetermined length of the photosensitive material 22 can be rewound.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the top surface of the stage 12 includes aplanar portion 28, which is a horizontal flat surface, and inclinedportions 30, 31 at which the top surface inclines downwardly at thefront and rear end portions of the stage 12. During exposure and thelike which will be described later, the photosensitive material 22 isheld on the stage 12 with a predetermined length of the photosensitivematerial 22 positioned on the planar portion 28 and with thephotosensitive material 22 pulled along the inclined portions 30, 31, sothat the planarity of the predetermined length of the photosensitivematerial 22 along the top surface of the planar portion 28 is maintainedand the predetermined length of the photosensitive material 22 does notbecome slack.

A document stand 32 is fit above the stage 12 at a base stand topsurface 11 so as to oppose the stage 12. The document stand 32 is formedby a transparent plate. A document 34 is placed and held on the documentstand 32.

An exposure unit 38, an application unit 40 and a superposing unit 42are respectively provided so as to be freely movable reciprocally alongthe front-and-back directions of the stage 12, between the documentstand 32 and the stage 12. The respective units 38, 40, 42 advance (theadvancing direction is the direction of arrow E) from standby positions(the positions illustrated in FIG. 1), at which the units 38, 40, 42 aredisposed in order so as to extend from the rear end of the stage 12 to aregion off of the stage 12, to stop positions (the positions illustratedin FIG. 4), at which the units 38, 40, 42 are disposed in order so as topass beyond the front end of the stage 12 and extend to the stage 12from a region off of the stage 12. Conversely, the respective units 38,40, 42 can withdraw (the withdrawing direction is the direction of arrowD) from the stop positions to the standby positions.

The exposure unit 38 is equipped with a light source 44 and a SELFOClens (lens array) 46. The light source 44 may be an LED, a halogen lampor the like. The light from the light source 44 is irradiated toward thedocument 34. The irradiated light is linear along a direction parallelto the document and orthogonal to the moving direction of the exposureunit 38 (the front-and-back directions of the stage 12), i.e., theirradiated light is linear along directions orthogonal to the surface ofthe drawing of FIG. 1. The irradiated light is reflected at the document34, and is exposed by the SELFOC lens 46 in a slit-like form onto thephotosensitive material 22. Due to the exposure unit 38 advancing fromthe standby position to the stop position, the image of the document 34is successively scan-exposed onto the photosensitive material 22.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, an exposure region 48 (image region) is set atthe center of the range of the predetermined length of thephotosensitive material 22 such that unexposed regions (non-imageregions) are formed at the front and rear of the exposure region 48. Thenon-image region at the rear end side of the stage 12 is the frontregion 51, and the non-image region at the front end side of the stage12 is the rear region 50.

The application unit 40 is structured such that a sponge (applicationportion) 54 is provided at the bottom of a tank 52 (container). The tank52 is shaped as a rectangular box which is parallel to thephotosensitive material 22 and which is elongated in a directionorthogonal to the front-and-back directions of the stage 12. Asillustrated in FIG. 5, the tank 52 is closed via an 0-ring 59 by a cover56 which forms the tank bottom, such that the interior of the tank 52 issealed. A transfer assistant (solvent for image formation) such as water58 or the like is filled within the tank 52. The sponge 54 is fixed tothe outer surface of the cover 56 (the cover bottom surface).Communicating holes 60 which communicate with the sponge 54 are formedin the cover 56. The water within the tank 52 is absorbed and held bythe sponge 54 through the communicating holes 60. The upper portions ofthe longitudinal direction ends of the tank 52 are notched so as to formsteps 62. A supporting portion 64 is fastened by a bolt 66 to the upperend of the tank 52 and projects so as to oppose the step 62. Anengagement shaft 68 extends in upward and downward directions betweenthe supporting portion 64 and the step 62. One end portion of anoperation block 70 is fit with the engagement shaft 68. A coil spring 72is fit between the operation block 70 and the step 62. The coil spring72 urges the operation block 70 to abut the supporting portion 64. Aplunger 73 of a solenoid 71 (first moving means) is connected to theother end portion of the operation block 70. For example, by supplyingelectricity to the solenoids 71, the operation blocks 70 are lowered,and by stopping the supply of electricity to the solenoids 71, theoperation blocks 70 are raised. At the raised positions of the operationblocks 70, the sponge 54 is separated from the photosensitive material22. When the operation blocks 70 are lowered, the tank 52 is lowered andthe sponge 54 contacts the photosensitive material 22. The amount bywhich the operation blocks 70 are lowered is greater than the intervalbetween the sponge 54 and the photosensitive material 22 at the raisedpositions of the operation blocks 70. At the lowered positions of theoperation blocks 70, the sponge 54 is pushed against the photosensitivematerial 22 by the urging force of the coil springs 72. In this way, thesponge 54 is compressed, and the water which has been absorbed and heldby the sponge 54 flows out to the photosensitive material 22.

The application unit 40 is driven by a driving means 91 (second movingmeans) formed by a drive motor 90, a group of gears 92 and a timing belt94 as will be described later, and begins to advance after the advanceof the exposure unit 38.

The first moving means 71, which lowers the sponge 54 together with thetank 52, and the second moving means 91, which moves the sponge 54together with the tank 52 from the standby position to the stopposition, are controlled as follows.

First, the application unit 40 is at the raised position and separatedfrom the photosensitive material 22. When the application unit 40 entersinto the region above the stage 12 and reaches the planar portion 28from the inclined portion 31 at the rear end side of the stage 12 (asillustrated in FIG. 3), at the front region 51, the solenoids 71 areoperated so that the sponge 54 is lowered together with the tank 52 andthe sponge 54 contacts the photosensitive material 22.

Thereafter, the application unit 40 advances with the sponge 54contacting the photosensitive material 22. The application unit 40enters into the image region 48 from the front region 51, moves throughthe image region 48, and reaches the rear region 50. Water 58 issuccessively applied onto the photosensitive material 22 by theapplication unit 40 advancing with the sponge 54 contacting thephotosensitive material 22. When the sponge reaches the rear region 50,at the rear region 50, the sponge 54 is raised together with the tank 52so that the sponge 54 separates from the photosensitive material 22 andcontact of the sponge 54 and the photosensitive material 22 is stopped.Thereafter, the application unit 40 is moved to the stop position and isstopped thereat.

When the sponge 54 is lowered and contacts the photosensitive material22 in the front region 51, the advance of the application unit istemporarily stopped, and after contact, the advance resumes. However,the sponge 54 may be lowered while the application unit 40 is advancing,without stopping the advance of the application unit 40.

The advance of the application unit 40 is not stopped when the sponge 54is separated from the photosensitive material 22 in the rear region 50,so that there is no need to stop the application unit 42 followingbehind. However, when the sponge 54 and the photosensitive material 22separate, the advance of the application unit 42 may be stoppedtemporarily.

The water 58 applied to the photosensitive material 22 swells thereat.After swelling, the water 58 on the photosensitive material 22 issqueezed. It is possible to effect squeezing by using an unillustratedroller. However, it is also possible to effect squeezing by utilizingthe rigidity of the image-receiving material 78 as superposing iscarried out by the superposing unit 42 as will be described later. Inthis case, in order to ensure the time necessary for swelling, thesuperposing unit 42 following after the application unit 40 advanceswith a space between the application unit 40 and the superposing unit42.

The superposing unit 42 is provided with a magazine 76 in whichimage-receiving materials 78 are cut to predetermined lengths andstacked so as to be accommodated parallel to the stage 12. One of thesurfaces of the image-receiving material 78 is an image forming surface.A dye-fixing material having mordant is applied to the image formingsurface of the image-receiving material 78. In their accommodated state,the image-receiving materials 78 are stacked with the image formingsurfaces thereof facing upward. Beneath the magazine 76, an endless belt80 is entrained about rollers 82, 84. A guide portion 81 is provided atthe outer periphery of the roller 84 which is at the stage 12 side atthe standby position of the superposing unit 42.

As the superposing unit 42 advances, the endless belt 80 reaches theregion above the stage 12 and travels clockwise in FIG. 1 above thestage 12 in accordance with the advance of the superposing unit 42. Asillustrated in FIG. 6, as the endless belt 80 travels, theimage-receiving material 78 within the magazine 76 is pulled out fromthe magazine 76 and inverted by the guide portion 81. The pulled-out endthereof contacts the photosensitive material 22. Thereafter, as thesuperposing unit 42 moves, the image-receiving material 78 is superposedon the photosensitive material 22 successively toward the front end ofthe stage 12 such that the image-receiving material 78 is nipped betweenthe endless belt 80 and the photosensitive material 22.

The water 58 applied to the photosensitive material 22 swells thereat.In order to ensure the time necessary for swelling, the superposing unit42 advances with a space between the application unit 40 and thesuperposing unit 42. After swelling, the water 58 on the photosensitivematerial 22 is squeezed. It is possible to effect squeezing with anunillustrated roller. However, it is also possible to effect squeezingby utilizing the rigidity of the image receiving material 78 assuperposing is carried out by the superposing unit 42. The rigiditycontributes to the squeezing. Since the water 58 is squeezed, theimage-receiving material 78 and the photosensitive material 22 are fittogether tightly.

The stage 12 is heated by the heat plates 18 as described above. In thisheated state, the above-described exposure, application and superposingare effected, and the water is heated when applied. More specifically,the water 58 is heated in the process of flowing out from the sponge 54to the photosensitive material 22, and the water 58 which has flowed outand been applied to the photosensitive material 22 is also heated.

Due to the heating of the stage 12, heat development transfer is carriedout with the image-receiving material 78 superposed with thephotosensitive material 22. More specifically, mobile dyes of thephotosensitive material 22 are released, and simultaneously, the dyesare transferred to the dye-fixing layer of the image-receiving material78 so that an image is obtained on the image-receiving material 78.

After heat development transfer, the photosensitive material 22 is moveda predetermined amount in the direction of arrow D and, together withthe image-receiving material 78, is discharged off of the stage 12 fromthe rear end of the stage 12.

The driving motor 90 is provided at the base stand 10 at the front sideof the front end of the stage 12. The driving motor 90 drives and movesthe exposure unit 38, the application unit 40, and the superposing unit42 via the group of gears 92 and the timing belt 94.

The overall operation of the present image recording apparatus iscontrolled by a control device 100 (control means) formed by a CPU, ROM,RAM, busses and the like. For simplicity of explanation in the presentembodiment, illustration and description of sensors for detectingpositions, temperatures and the like, operation devices such as akeyboard or the like for inputting information to the control device 100for operation, the electrical connection relationships between thecontrol device 100 and the respective drive portions and sensors, andthe like will be omitted as they are familiar to those skilled in theart.

Next, the overall operation of the present apparatus including the units38, 40, 42 will be explained concretely on the basis of the time chartof FIG. 8.

First, the photosensitive material 22 is conveyed (CW) such that apredetermined length thereof is pulled out onto and held at the stage12.

Next, when the exposure unit 38 advances (CW) from the standby positiontoward the stop position and the photosensitive material 22 enters theimage region 48, the light source 44 begins irradiating light (ON). Theirradiation of light continues at the image region 48, and the image ofthe document 34 on the document stand 32 is scan-exposed onto thephotosensitive material 22.

When the exposure unit 38 moves past the image region 48 and enters intothe rear region 50, the light source 44 stops irradiating light (OFF).Thereafter, the exposure unit 38 advances to the stop position with thelight source 44 not irradiating light, and is stopped thereat.

The advance (CW) of the application unit 40 begins when the exposureunit 38 moves past the image region 48 and enters into the rear region50 and the light source 44 stops irradiating light.

The application unit 40 is originally at the raised position and isseparated from the photosensitive material 22. The application unit 40enters the region above the stage 12, reaches the planar portion 28 fromthe inclined portion 31 at the rear end side of the stage 12, and istemporarily stopped at the front region 51 (as illustrated in FIG. 3).In this stopped state, the solenoids (SL) are operated (DOWN), so thesponge 54 is lowered together with the tank 52 and contacts thephotosensitive material 22.

After the sponge 54 contacts the photosensitive material 22, the advanceof the application unit 40 begins again. With the sponge 54 contactingthe photosensitive material 22, the application unit 40 enters into theimage region 48 from the front region 51, and moves through the imageregion 48 (as illustrated in FIG. 9). When the sponge 54 reaches therear region 50, the solenoids are operated (UP). The sponge 54 is raisedtogether with the tank 52 (as shown in FIG. 10) so that the sponge 54separates from the photosensitive material 22 and contact of the sponge54 and the photosensitive material 22 is stopped. The advance of theapplication unit 40 continues even while the contact of the sponge 54and the photosensitive material 54 is being stopped. Thereafter, theapplication unit 40 is moved to the stop position and is stoppedthereat.

Because the first contact of the sponge 54 to the photosensitivematerial 22 and the cessation of contact are not carried out in theimage region 48, stable application is possible in the image region 48.More specifically, the sponge 54 begins to contact the photosensitivematerial 22 in the front region 51 of the photosensitive material 22.Due to this contact, the water 58 flows out. The sponge 54 moves alongthe photosensitive material 22 while contacting the photosensitivematerial 22 so as to apply the water 58 thereto. Thereafter, the sponge54 stops contacting the photosensitive material 22 in the rear region 50of the image region 48, and the water 58 no longer flows out. When thesponge 54 first contacts the photosensitive material 22 and when thesponge 54 stops contacting the photosensitive material 22, there isuneven application, i.e., uneven application (water dripping down or thelike) due to uneven speed or the like at the time of the start ofcontact and the time of the end of contact. Therefore, the amount of thesolvent for image formation which flows out is unstable. However, in thepresent invention, the start of contact takes place in the front region51 and the end of contact takes place in the rear region 50. Therefore,the regions in which there is uneven application are the front region 51and the rear region 50. Uneven application does not occur in the imageregion 48, and the amount of the solvent for image formation which flowsout is uniform and stable. Accordingly, uniform and stable applicationin the image region 48 is made possible, and recording of images of highimage quality can be achieved. Further, because the sponge 54 contactsthe photosensitive material 22 in the range of the planar portion 28 ofthe stage 12, flow of the applied water 58 toward the front and the rearof the photosensitive material 22 and adverse effects associated withsuch flow are avoided.

The advance (CW) of the superposing unit 42 begins while the advance ofthe application unit 40 is temporarily stopped for the sponge 54 tocontact the photosensitive material 22. As the superposing unit 42begins to advance, the image-receiving material 78 is superposed on thephotosensitive material 22. When superposing stops, the superposing unit42 reaches the stop position and is stopped thereat.

At this time, the image-receiving material 78 is superposed on thephotosensitive material 22 while water applied by the application unit40 is squeezed.

After the superposing unit 42 stops at the stop position, thesuperposing unit 42 does not move for a predetermined period of time,and heat development transfer occurs.

After heat development transfer, the predetermined length of thephotosensitive material 22 is pulled and conveyed (CW) by the secondroller 24. The photosensitive material 22, together with theimage-receiving material 78, is discharged off of the stage 12 from therear end thereof.

As the photosensitive material 22 and the image-receiving material 78are discharged, the image-receiving material 78 is peeled from thephotosensitive material 22. The image receiving material 78 passes apeeling roller 86 which is at the rear side of the rear end of the stage12, and is stacked in a discharge tray 88 which is at the rear side ofthe peeling roller 86. The portion of the photosensitive material 22 forwhich heat development transfer has been completed is inverted, and ispositioned on an incline between the rear end of the stage 12 and thesecond roller 24.

The application surface of the portion of the photosensitive material22, for which heat development transfer has been completed and which ispositioned between the second roller 24 and the rear end of the stage,faces downward. In this way, the water 58 can fall downward withoutremaining on the photosensitive material 22. Adverse effects, which arecaused by water remaining on the photosensitive material 22 when thephotosensitive material 22 is rewound as will be described later and theportion for which heat development transfer has been completed returnsto the top of the stage 12, are avoided.

Thereafter, the exposure unit 38, the application unit 40 and thesuperposing unit 42 are respectively withdrawn (CCW) from their stoppositions to their standby positions with the superposing unit 42 beingwithdrawn first, so as to be ready for the subsequent exposure,application, and superposing.

Next, the predetermined length of the photosensitive material 22 isrewound onto the first roller 20. The image region 48 which has beenexposed and for which heat development transfer has been completed isthereby positioned on the stage 12. In this way, there will be noadverse effects even if outside light from the document stand 32 reachesthe photosensitive material 22 or a similar situation occurs. Lightfogging of the unexposed portion of the photosensitive material at aregion off of the stage 12 is prevented.

Exposure onto the photosensitive material 22, application of water,superposing of the image-receiving material 78, and heat developmenttransfer onto the image-receiving material 78 are all carried out at acommon stage 12.

In accordance with the above-described structure, exposure onto thephotosensitive material 22, application of the water 58, superposing ofthe image-receiving material 78 on the photosensitive material 22, andheat development transfer all occur at a common stage 12, and an imageis obtained on the image-receiving material 78.

Because the stage 12 is used in common for the respective processes,there is no need to provide separate stages as in the conventional art,and the apparatus can be made more compact. More specifically, conveyingmeans between stages, e.g., rollers or the like, are not needed so thatfewer parts can be used and manufacturing costs decrease. Further, theconveying distance is shortened and the processing speed is made faster.

The heat for the water 58 when the water 58 is applied and the heatneeded for heat development transfer are obtained by heating the stage12. As the heating means can be used in common, energy can be conservedand the apparatus can be made even more compact.

The temperature of the photosensitive material 22, which is exposed in aslit-shaped form by the exposure unit 38, is raised to and maintained ata constant temperature due to the photosensitive material 22 being heldat the stage 12. Therefore, even if the ambient temperature varies, thephotosensitive material is exposed at a constant temperature.Accordingly, variations in color density and color balance of thephotosensitive material 22 are reduced, and a stable image of high imagequality can be obtained.

The exposure unit 38 moves and successively scan-exposes thephotosensitive material 22. The application unit 40 moves from the rearside of the exposure unit 38 and successively applies water to thephotosensitive material 22. The superposing unit 42 moves from the rearside of the application unit 40 so that the image-receiving material 78is successively superposed on the photosensitive material 22, and thenheat development transfer is carried out. Here, because the superposingunit 42 moves from the rear side of the application unit 40 andsuccessively superposes the image-receiving material 78 on thephotosensitive material 22, squeezing after the application of the watercan be effected by the superposing of the image-receiving material 78 onthe photosensitive material 22. Therefore, there is no need to, forexample, drive a squeeze roller separately.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the superposing unit 42instantaneously follows the application unit 40. The application unit 40applies water, and at the rear side of the application unit 40, thesuperposing unit 42 carries out superposing. However, the times at whichthe application unit 40 and the superposing unit 42 begin to move arenot limited to the above description and the following structure may beused. For example, after the exposure unit 38 completes exposure of oneimage, the application unit 40 begins to move. After the applicationunit 40 finishes applying water to one image, the superposing unit 42starts to move. Alternatively, the application unit 40 mayinstantaneously follow the exposure unit 38. The exposure unit 38effects exposure, and at the rear side thereof, the application unit 40carries out application. As yet another alternative, the exposure unit38, the application unit 40 and the superposing unit 42 may all be movedinstantaneously so that the exposure unit 38 effects exposure, and atthe rear side thereof, the application unit 40 carries out application,and at the rear side thereof, the superposing unit 42 carries outsuperposing.

Regardless of the above-described times, the time at which theapplication unit 40 begins to move can be freely set to an appropriatetime after the start of movement of the exposure unit 38. Further,regardless of the above-described times, the time at which thesuperposing unit 42 begins to move also can be freely set to anappropriate time after the start of movement of the application unit 40.

However, by moving the respective units 38, 40, 42 instantaneously,e.g., by having the superposing unit 42 instantaneously follow theapplication unit 40, the processing time can be shortened. Further,because the single drive source is used in common by the respectiveunits 38, 40, 42, the apparatus can be made compact.

In the above-described embodiment, light is irradiated linearly onto thedocument 34 so as to scan-expose the photosensitive material 22.However, the present invention is not limited to the same, and light maybe irradiated to the entire surface of the document so that the light isplanarly exposed onto the photosensitive material. Moreover, in theabove-described embodiment, although the light exposed onto thephotosensitive material 22 is reflected light which has been reflectedby the document, the present invention is not limited to the same, andtransmitted light which has been transmitted through a document may beused. More specifically, the document may be a reflecting document or atransmitting document. In this way, when the document is a reflectingdocument or a transmitting document, so-called analog exposure iseffected. However, the present invention is not limited to the same, andscan-exposing a light beam onto the photosensitive material on the basisof an image signal, i.e., so-called digital exposure, is also possible.

In the above embodiment, the photosensitive material 22 is wound in aroll form, and a predetermined length thereof is pulled out and suppliedonto the stage 12. However, the present invention is not limited to thesame, and cut sheets which have been cut to predetermined lengths may beused. Further, the image-receiving material is not limited to cut sheetsas in the above embodiment. The image-receiving material may be wound inroll form, pulled out to a predetermined length, and then cut.

The superposing of the image-receiving material 78 on the photosensitivematerial 22 need not be effected by the superposing unit 40 of theembodiment, and may be carried out manually or by some other means.Further, peeling of the photosensitive material 22 and theimage-receiving material 78 may be carried out by using a pawl. Theimage forming solvent is not limited to water, and another transferassistant may be used. The application portion for applying the imageforming solvent is not limited to a sponge, and felt or the like may beused. Any material may be used provided that it absorbs and holds waterfrom within the tank and permits the water to flow out due to contactwith the photosensitive material 22. Application is not limited to useof the application unit provided with the sponge 58, and a roller or abrush may be used.

Second Embodiment!

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described onthe basis of FIG. 11.

In the present embodiment, a planar-exposure means 120 is provided atthe document stand 32 so as to be freely attachable thereto andremovable therefrom. The planar-exposure means 120 includes a documentholding portion 124 and an optical system, within a housing 121 providedat the base stand top surface 11 so as to oppose the stage 12. Thedocument holding portion 124 holds a document 122 horizontally. Theoptical system includes light sources 126 positioned at both sides belowthe document 122, mirrors 128, 130, and a lens 132 positioned betweenthe mirror 128 and the mirror 130.

In a case in which the planar-exposure means 120 is attached, there isno document 34 from the document stand 32. When the exposure unit 38,the application unit 40, and the superposing unit 42 are positioned atthe standby positions (withdrawn positions at which the respective units38, 40, 42 do not obstruct the planar-exposure), light is irradiatedfrom the light sources 126 to the entire surface of the document 122,and the irradiated light is reflected by the document 122. The reflectedlight is refracted at the mirror 128 so that the optical axis changesfrom vertically downward to horizontal. The reflected light whoseoptical axis has been made horizontal is transmitted through the lens132, is refracted by the mirror 130 so that the optical axis thereof isdirected vertically downward, is transmitted through the document stand32, and planarly exposes the photosensitive material 22 on the stage 12.

When the planar-exposure means 120 is not attached, as describedpreviously, a document 34 is held by the document stand 32, the exposureunit 38 is moved, and scan-exposure is possible.

In the above-described planar-exposure means 120, the image of thedocument 122 is planarly exposed onto the photosensitive material 22 atequal magnification. However, the present invention is not limited tothe same, and the image of the document 122 may be planarly-exposed ontothe photosensitive material 22 at variable magnification.

As an example of varying the magnification, a planar-exposure means 170illustrated in FIG. 12 may be used. A housing 171 of the planar-exposuremeans 170 is provided at the base stand top surface 11 so as to opposethe stage 12. A document holding portion 152 holds a document 150vertically. A light source 158 irradiates light horizontally, i.e.,parallel to the stage 12, to the entire surface of the document 150. Theirradiated light is transmitted through the document 150, then istransmitted through a lens 154, is refracted at a mirror 156 so that theoptical axis thereof is changed from horizontal to vertically downward,is transmitted through the document stand 32, and is planarly exposedonto the photosensitive material 22 on the stage 12.

As another example of varying the magnification, a planar-exposure means220 illustrated in FIG. 13 may be used. A housing 221 of theplanar-exposure means 220 is provided at the base stand top surface 11so as to oppose the stage 12. A document holding portion 200 holds adocument 202 horizontally. A light source 204 irradiates lightvertically downward to the entire surface of the document 202. Theirradiated light is transmitted through the document 202, and thenthrough a lens 206 and then through the document stand 32, and isplanarly exposed onto the photosensitive material 22 on the stage 12.

The document 150 at the planar-exposure means 170 and the document 202at the planar-exposure means 220 are transmitting documents, as opposedto the document 122 at the planar-exposure means 120 which is areflecting document. When a transmitting document is used, either apositive type or a negative type can be used.

Structures other than the planar-exposure means 120, 170, 220 are thesame as those in the previously-described first embodiment.

In accordance with the above-described structure, when theplanar-exposure means 120, 170, 220 are not attached, the exposure unit38 moves between the document 34 of the document stand 32 and thephotosensitive material 22 of the stage 12 so that scan-exposure ispossible. The operational effects in this case are the same as those ofthe first embodiment.

When the planar-exposure means 120, 170, 220 are attached, with theexposure unit 38 at its withdrawn position, the light from the lightsources 126, 158, 204 is irradiated to the entire surfaces of thedocuments 122, 150, 202 of the document holding portions 124, 152, 200.The irradiated light is transmitted through the documents 150, 202 or isreflected by the document 122, is transmitted through the opticalsystems, and planarly exposes the documents 122, 150, 202 of thedocument holding portions 124, 152, 200 onto the photosensitive material22 on the stage 12.

In this way, the exposure stage is used commonly for both scan-exposureand planar-exposure. Scan-exposure and planar-exposure can both berealized simply at a low cost.

Other structures and operational effects of the second embodiment arethe same as those of the first embodiment.

Third Embodiment!

Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the image recording apparatusrelating to the present invention will be described on the basis ofFIGS. 2, 5 and 14 through 21. Members which are the same as those of thefirst embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, anddescription thereof is omitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, an exposure unit 238, the application unit 40and the superposing unit 42 are respectively provided in the presentapparatus. The respective units 238, 40, 42 are freely movablereciprocally above the stage 12 along the front-and-back directions ofthe stage 12. As a result, the units 238, 40, 42 can advance (theadvancing direction is the direction of arrow E) from standby positions(the positions illustrated in FIG. 14), which are disposed in order fromthe rear end of the stage 12 and extend to a region off of the stage 12,to stop positions (the positions illustrated in FIG. 18) which aredisposed in order. Conversely, the respective units 238, 40, 42 canwithdraw (the withdrawing direction is the direction of arrow D) fromthe stop positions to the standby positions.

First, the exposure unit 238 which is the exposure means is positionedabove the stage 12 toward the left side in FIG. 14.

As shown in FIG. 16, the upper portion of the exposure unit 238 isstructured by a pair of covers 232 which are disposed so as to opposeeach other, separated from each other in the horizontal direction (XYdirection). The top end portion of the cavity portion formed by the pairof covers 232 is closed by a supporting member 233 which is interposedbetween the pair of covers 232. The longitudinal direction of thesupporting member 233 (e.g., a direction substantially orthogonal to theXY direction) corresponds to a one line direction of the photosensitivematerial 22 which is the transverse direction of the photosensitivematerial 22.

A plurality of light-emitting diodes (hereinafter, "LEDs") are providedat the bottom surface of the supporting member 233.

As illustrated in FIG. 17, an LED 244R emitting red light (R light), anLED 244B emitting blue light (B light), and an LED 244G emitting greenlight (G light) are provided adjacently along a direction which isorthogonal to the one line direction of the photosensitive material 22.A light-emitting element group 244 is formed by the LED 244R, the LED244B and the LED 244G. The light-emitting element groups 244 aredisposed in a row at predetermined pitches P₁ (usually about 3 mm) alongthe one line direction of the photosensitive material 22.

A cylindrical lens 234 is mounted to the bottom end portion of thecavity portion (see FIG. 16). The axial direction of the cylindricallens 234 is disposed parallel to the longitudinal direction of thesupporting member 233 (the one line direction of the photosensitivematerial 22). The lights emitted from the LEDs 244R, the LEDs 244G andthe LEDs 244B are slit-shaped beams in a direction along the one linedirection of the photosensitive material 22.

Further, the LEDs 244R, the LEDs 244G and the LEDs 244B are respectivelyconnected to the control device 100. The lighting timing of therespective LEDs is controlled by the control device 100.

A liquid crystal light shutter array 236 is provided beneath thecylindrical lens 234 (see FIG. 16). The liquid crystal light shutterarray 236 is formed such that liquid crystal cells, which serve as aplurality of light shutter elements corresponding to the pixels forminga pixel row of one line of the photosensitive material 22, are alignedin a direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction of theslit-shaped beam.

The liquid crystal light shutter array 236 is connected to the controldevice 100. When voltage is applied to the plurality of liquid crystalcells from the control device 100, the liquid crystal cells open and theslit-shaped beam is transmitted therethrough. When voltage is no longerapplied, the liquid crystal cells close and the slit-shaped beam is cutoff. Note that the liquid crystal cells may be such that when voltage isno longer applied thereto, the liquid crystal cells open and cut off theslit-shaped beam, and when voltage is applied, the liquid crystal cellsclose and the slit-shaped beam is transmitted therethrough.

A SELFOC lens (lens array) 246 is provided under the liquid crystallight shutter array 236. The SELFOC lens 246 images on thephotosensitive material 22 the slit-shaped beam transmitted through theliquid crystal cells.

As described above, the exposure unit 238 is equipped with thelight-emitting element groups 244, the cylindrical lens 234, the liquidcrystal light shutter array 236, the SELFOC lens 246 and the like. Dueto the cylindrical lens 234, the light from the light-emitting elementgroups 244 becomes linear along a direction orthogonal to the movingdirection of the exposure unit 238 (the front-and-back directions of thestage 12 which is the direction in which the exposure unit 238 movesrelatively to the photosensitive material 22 in one direction), i.e.,along a direction orthogonal to the surface of the drawing of FIG. 14.The irradiated light transmitted through the liquid crystal lightshutter array 236 is irradiated in a slit-shaped form onto thephotosensitive material 22 by the SELFOC lens 246.

As a result, due to the exposure unit 238 advancing from the standbyposition toward the stop position, the irradiated light transmittedthrough the liquid crystal light shutter array 236, whose opening andclosing is controlled by the control device 100 and which is selectivelyopened and closed, is successively scan-exposed onto the photosensitivematerial 22 so that an image is formed.

The overall operation of the present apparatus including the units 238,40, 42 will be explained concretely hereinafter on the basis of the timechart of FIG. 21.

First, the photosensitive material 22 is conveyed (CW) such that apredetermined length thereof is pulled out onto and held at the stage12.

Next, when the exposure unit 238 advances (CW) from the standby positiontoward the stop position and the photosensitive material 22 enters theimage region 48, the light-emitting element groups 244 begin irradiatinglight (ON) and continue to irradiate light above the image region 48 sothat the light is scan-exposed onto the photosensitive material 22.

More specifically, the control device 100 applies pulse voltage to theLEDs 244R for the predetermined time tR, to the LEDs 244G for thepredetermined time tG, and to the LEDs 244B for the predetermined timetB, so that the LEDs 244R, the LEDs 244G, and the LEDs 244B emit light.In this way, R light, G light and B light are irradiated in successionfrom the LEDs 244R, the LEDs 244G, and the LEDs 244B, with the R lightbeing irradiated for the time tR, the G light being irradiated for thetime tG, and the B light being irradiated for the time tB. Thesuccessively irradiated R light, G light and B light are transmittedthrough the cylindrical lens 234 so as to become slit-shaped beams, andirradiate the liquid crystal light shutter array 236.

The control device 100 controls the opening and closing of the liquidcrystal cells by applying a predetermined pulse voltage to the liquidcrystal cells, so that the exposure amounts of the portions, whichcorrespond to the photosensitive material 22, of the R light, G lightand B light which have been transmitted through the liquid crystal cellsof the liquid crystal light shutter array 236 and irradiatedsuccessively become substantially equal to the amounts of exposure ofpixels corresponding to color image data stored in an unillustratedmemory. As the exposure unit 238 moves, the respective lines of thephotosensitive material 22 are exposed.

In this way, the exposure unit 238, which is movably supported,digitally exposes the image onto the photosensitive material 22.

When the exposure unit 238 moves past the image region 48 and entersinto the rear region 50, the light-emitting element groups 244 stopirradiating light (OFF). Thereafter, the exposure unit 238 advances tothe stop position with the light-emitting element groups 244 notirradiating light, and is stopped thereat.

When the light-emitting element groups 244 stop irradiating light, theapplication unit 40 begins to advance (CW).

The operation blocks 70 of the application unit 40 are originally at theraised positions such that the sponge 54 of the application unit 40 isseparated from the photosensitive material 22. The application unit 40enters the region above the stage 12, reaches the planar portion 28 fromthe inclined portion 31 at the rear end side of the stage 12, and istemporarily stopped at the front region 51 (as illustrated in FIG. 15).In this stopped state, the solenoids (SL) are operated (DOWN), so thatthe sponge 54 is lowered together with the tank 52 and contacts thephotosensitive material 22.

After the sponge 54 contacts the photosensitive material 22, the advanceof the application unit 40 begins again. With the sponge 54 contactingthe photosensitive material 22, the application unit 40 enters into theimage region 48 from the front region 51, and moves above the imageregion 48. When the sponge 54 reaches the rear region 50, the solenoidsare operated (UP). The sponge 54 is raised together with the tank 52 sothat the sponge 54 separates from the photosensitive material 22 andcontact of the sponge 54 and the photosensitive material 22 is stopped.The advance of the application unit 40 continues even while the contactof the sponge 54 and the photosensitive material 54 is being stopped.Thereafter, the application unit 40 is moved to the stop position and isstopped thereat.

Because the first contact of the sponge 54 to the photosensitivematerial 22 and the cessation of contact are not carried out in theimage region 48, stable application is possible in the image region 48.Further, because the sponge 54 contacts the photosensitive material 22in the range of the planar portion 28 of the stage 12, flow of theapplied water 58 toward the front and the rear of the photosensitivematerial 22 and adverse effects associated with such flow are avoided.

The advance (CW) of the superposing unit 42 begins while the advance ofthe application unit 40 is temporary stopped for the sponge 54 tocontact the photosensitive material 22. As the superposing unit 42begins to advance, the image-receiving material 78 is superposed on thephotosensitive material 22. When superposing stops, the superposing unit42 reaches the stop position and is stopped thereat. At this time, theimage-receiving material 78 is superposed with the photosensitivematerial 22 while water applied by the application unit 40 is squeezed.

After the superposing unit 42 stops at the stop position, thesuperposing unit 42 does not move for a predetermined period of time,and heat development transfer occurs. After heat development transfer,the predetermined length of the photosensitive material 22 is pulled andconveyed (CW) by the second roller 24. The photosensitive material 22,together with the image-receiving material 78, is discharged off of thestage 12 from the rear end thereof.

As the photosensitive material 22 and the image-receiving material 78are discharged, as illustrated in FIG. 20, the image-receiving material78 is peeled from the photosensitive material 22. The image receivingmaterial 78 passes the peeling roller 86 which is at the rear side ofthe rear end of the stage 12, and is stacked in the discharge tray 88which is at the rear side of the peeling roller 86. The portion of thephotosensitive material 22 for which heat development transfer has beencompleted is inverted, and is positioned on an incline between the rearend of the stage 12 and the second roller 24.

More specifically, heat development transfer is carried out on the stage12, and thereafter, the photosensitive material 22 is taken up andpulled at one end side of the stage 12. The photosensitive material 22is conveyed off of the stage 12 from the one end side of the stage 12.At this time, the photosensitive material 22 is conveyed oppositely ofthe image-receiving material 78 (in a direction of separating fromimage-receiving material 78) with its orientation changed by an angle θwith respect to the upper surface (holding surface) of the planarportion 28 of the stage 12. In this way, the rigidity of theimage-receiving material 78 overcomes the force of adhesion between theimage-receiving material 78 and the photosensitive material 22, and theimage-receiving material 78 and the photosensitive material 78 arepeeled. While being peeled, the image-receiving material 78 and thephotosensitive material 22 are both discharged off of the stage 12.

The angle θ is set appropriately in accordance with type, the thicknessand the like of the image-receiving material 78, and in accordance withthe type or the like of the photosensitive material 22. However, inconsidering an angle θ which allows the photosensitive material 22 to bepulled along the inclined portion 31 (and the inclined portion 30) andmaintained planarly without rising off of the upper surface of theplanar portion 28, the angle θ should not exceed 90 degrees, and ispreferably 40 to 50 degrees.

Further, it is preferable that the region between the inclined portion31 and the planar portion 28 and the region between the inclined portion30 and the planar portion 28 are formed continuously with the planarportion 28 and the corresponding inclined portion 31, 30 in circular-arcshapes, so that the photosensitive material 22 is pulled along theinclined portion 31 (and the inclined portion 30) and is maintainedplanarly without rising off of the upper surface of the planar portion28.

The application surface of the portion of the photosensitive material22, for which heat development transfer has been completed and which ispositioned between the second roller 24 and the rear end of the stage,faces downward. In this way, the water 58 can fall downward withoutremaining on the photosensitive material 22. Therefore, adverse effects,which are caused by water remaining on the photosensitive material 22when the photosensitive material 22 is rewound as will be describedlater and the portion for which heat development transfer has beencompleted returns to the top of the stage 12, are avoided.

Thereafter, the exposure unit 238, the application unit 40 and thesuperposing unit 42 are respectively withdrawn (CCW) from their stoppositions to their standby positions with the superposing unit 42 beingwithdrawn first, so as to be ready for the subsequent exposure,application, and superposing.

Next, the predetermined length of the photosensitive material 22 isrewound onto the first roller 20. In this way, the portion of thephotosensitive material 22 which has been exposed and for which heatdevelopment transfer has been completed is positioned on the stage 12.Accordingly, even if outside light reaches the photosensitive material22 or a similar situation occurs, because the unexposed portion of thephotosensitive material 22 is positioned at a region off of the stage12, light fogging is prevented. There is therefore no need for a mask toprevent fogging.

As described above, the exposure unit 238 is movably supported above thestage 12, and can digitally expose light in a slit-shaped form whilemoving above the photosensitive material 22 which is held by the stage12.

As a result, at the stage 12, digital exposure can be performed inaddition to the application of water 58, the superposing of theimage-receiving material 78 on the photosensitive material 22, and theheat development transfer onto the image receiving material 78. Becausethe stage is used in common for various processes, there is no need toprovide separate stages as in the conventional art, and the apparatuscan be made compact. More specifically, the conveying means betweenstages, e.g., rollers or the like, are not needed so that fewer partscan be used and manufacturing costs decrease. Further, the conveyingdistance is shortened so that the processing speed is faster. Morespecifically, conveying means between stages, e.g., rollers or the like,are not needed so that fewer parts can be used and manufacturing costsdecrease. Further, the conveying distance is shortened, and theprocessing speed is made faster.

The heat for the water 58 when the water 58 is applied and the heatneeded for heat development transfer are obtained by heating the stage12. As a result, the heating means can be used in common, energy can beconserved, and the apparatus can be made even more compact.

As described above, the exposure unit 238 moves and light isscan-exposed successively onto the photosensitive material 22. Then, theapplication unit 40 moves and water is successively applied to thephotosensitive material 22. The superposing unit 42 moves from the rearside of the application unit 40 so that the image-receiving material 78is successively superposed on the photosensitive material 22. Heatdevelopment transfer occurs, and an image is obtained on theimage-receiving material 78.

Further, as the photosensitive material 22 is pulled and is dischargedtogether with the image-receiving material 78 off of the stage 12, thephotosensitive material 22 and the image-receiving material 78 arepeeled automatically. As this peeling does not require a pawl, stablepeeling is realized.

In the above-described embodiment, the superposing unit 42instantaneously follows the application unit 40. The application unit 40applies water, and at the rear side of the application unit 40, thesuperposing unit 42 carries out superposing. However, the times at whichthe application unit 40 and the superposing unit 42 begin to move arenot limited to the above description and the following structure may beused. For example, after the exposure unit 238 completes exposure of oneimage, the application unit 40 begins to move. After the applicationunit 40 finishes applying water to one image, the superposing unit 42starts to move.

However, by moving the respective units 238, 40, 42 instantaneously,e.g., by having the superposing unit 42 instantaneously follow theapplication unit 40, the processing time can be shortened. Further,because the single drive source is used in common by the respectiveunits 238, 40, 42, the apparatus can be made compact.

In the above embodiment, the photosensitive material 22 is wound in aroll form, and a predetermined length thereof is pulled out and suppliedonto the stage 12. However, the present invention is not limited to thesame, and cut sheets which have been cut to predetermined lengths may beused. Further, the image-receiving material is not limited to cut sheetsas in the above embodiment. The image-receiving material may be wound inroll form, pulled out to a predetermined length, and then cut.

The superposing of the image-receiving material 78 on the photosensitivematerial 22 need not be effected by the superposing unit 40 of theembodiment, and superposing may be carried out manually or by some othermeans. Further, peeling of the photosensitive material 22 and theimage-receiving material 78 may be carried out by using a pawl. Theimage forming solvent is not limited to water, and another transferassistant may be used. The application portion for applying the imageforming solvent is not limited to a sponge, and felt or the like may beused. Any material may be used provided that it absorbs and holds waterfrom within the tank and permits the water to flow out due to contactwith the photosensitive material 22. Application is not limited to useof the application unit provided with the sponge 58, and a roller or abrush may be used.

In the present embodiment, the light-emitting element groups 244 formedby the plurality of LEDs are used as the light source. Instead of thelight-emitting element groups 244, a halogen lamp or a fluorescent lampmay be used as the light source. Further, in place of the combination ofthe light-emitting element groups 244 and the liquid crystal lightshutter array 236, a one-dimensional CRT which is a slit-shaped display,or the like may be used.

Fourth Embodiment!

Next, a fourth embodiment of the image recording apparatus relating tothe present invention will be described on the basis of FIG. 22. Memberswhich are the same as those of the third embodiment are denoted by thesame reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 22, instead of theexposure unit 238, an exposure unit 122 is used as the exposure means.The exposure unit 122 is formed by a light source 112, a polygon mirror114, an Fθ lens 116, and a mirror 120. The light source 112 is formed bylaser diodes of three colors and generates light. The polygon mirror 114reflects light from the light source 112 while rotating. The Fθ lens 116converges the reflected light from the polygon mirror 114. The mirror120 reflects the light transmitted through the Fθ lens 116, andirradiates the light on the stage 12 while main scanning in thedirection of arrows F. The exposure unit 122 is disposed above the stage12.

The photosensitive material 22 can be moved by the previously-describedsecond roller 24 and nip rollers 26 along the direction of arrow G whichis the sub-scanning direction which is orthogonal to the direction ofarrows F.

Accordingly, when the exposure unit 122 and the photosensitive material22 move relatively along the sub-scanning direction, the exposure unit122 effects digital exposure from above the photosensitive material 22while main-scanning in the direction orthogonal to the sub-scanningdirection. As a result, high-speed digital exposure is possible by usingthe polygon mirror 114.

In the present embodiment, digital exposure is effected with theexposure unit 122 fixed and the photosensitive material 22 moving.However, conversely, digital exposure may be carried out with thephotosensitive material 22 fixed and the exposure unit 122 moving in thesub-scanning direction. Further, in place of the exposure unit 122 ofthe present embodiment, a structure which combines LEDs and a lens forimaging may be used to effect point scan-exposure.

Fifth Embodiment!

Next, a fifth embodiment of the image recording apparatus relating tothe present invention will be described on the basis of FIG. 23. Memberswhich are the same as those of the third embodiment are denoted by thesame reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 23, the present embodiment has the exposure unit238 which is the same as that of the exposure unit 238 of the thirdembodiment. However, in the present embodiment, the exposure unit 238 isfixed to a position opposing the inclined portion 30 of the stage 12.

Accordingly, the exposure unit 238 effects digital exposure above thephotosensitive material 22 as the photosensitive material 22 moves. As aresult, exposure can be effected in accordance with the movement of thephotosensitive material 22 as the photosensitive material 22 isconveyed. The exposure unit 238 does not move, and digital exposure canbe effected simply. During exposure, the exposure unit 238 is fixed andlight can be scan-exposed successively to the moving photosensitivematerial 22. Therefore, focusing of the exposure unit 238 is easy.

Further, because the exposure unit 238 is disposed at a position abovethe stage 12, the exposure unit 238 conducts exposure above the stage12. Therefore, the apparatus can be made even more compact.

Sixth Embodiment!

Next, a sixth embodiment of the image recording apparatus relating tothe present invention will be described on the basis of FIG. 24. Memberswhich are the same as those of the third embodiment are denoted by thesame reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In the present embodiment, a liquid crystal device 132 housing abacklight and a liquid crystal display is disposed so as to oppose thestage 12. A lens 134, which images the image on the liquid crystaldisplay 132 onto the photosensitive material 22 held on the stage 12, isdisposed between the liquid crystal display 132 and the stage 12.

Accordingly, the exposure unit 136, which is an exposure means formed bythe liquid crystal device 132 and the lens 134, can effect digitalexposure planarly onto the photosensitive material 22 which is held onthe stage 12. Therefore, digital exposure can be carried out in a shorttime, and the processing speed of the image recording apparatus is madefaster.

Even if a Braun tube (CRT) is used in place of the liquid crystaldisplay 132 in the present embodiment, the same operation and effectsare achieved.

Further, each of the image recording apparatuses described in the thirdthrough the sixth embodiments can be used not only as a digital printer,but also as a video printer or the like. Further, in the image recordingapparatuses, if the exposure unit for digital exposure is withdrawn, anexposure unit for analog exposure can be set. Therefore, both digitalexposure and analog exposure can be used.

The photosensitive material used in the image recording apparatuses ofthe present invention may be a so-called heat development photosensitivematerial (e.g., the photosensitive material 22 of the above-describedembodiments) in which a latent image, which is obtained by image-wiseexposure, is heat development transferred onto an image-receivingmaterial in the presence of solvent for image formation so as to obtaina visible image.

The heat development photosensitive material basically contains on asupporting body photosensitive silver halide, a reducing agent, binderand a dye providing compound (there are also cases in which the reducingagent is used as the dye providing compound). If needed, thephotosensitive material can contain an organometallic base oxidizingagent or the like.

The heat development photosensitive material may provide a negativeimage or a positive image for exposure. A method utilizing a directpositive emulsion as the silver halide emulsion (there are two types ofthis method: a method using a nucleus forming agent, and a light foggingmethod), or a method utilizing a dye providing compound which releases adye image which is diffusible positively can be used as a method ofproviding a positive image.

The photosensitive materials disclosed in, for example, Japanese PatentApplication Laid-Open Nos. 6-161070 and 6-289555 can be used as the heatdevelopment photosensitive materials of the method of providing apositive image. The photosensitive materials disclosed in, for example,Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 5-181246 and 6-242546 can beused as the heat development photosensitive materials of the method ofproviding a negative image.

Water, for example, may be used as the solvent for image formation ofthe present invention. The water used in the present invention is notlimited to so-called demineralized water, and includes water in thegeneral sense. Further, a mixed solvent of demineralized water and a lowboiling point solvent such as methanol, DMF, acetone, di-isobutyl ketoneor the like may be used as the solvent for image formation. Moreover,solvents including image formation accelerators, antifoggants,developing terminators, hydrophilic heat solvents, or the like may beused as the solvent for image formation.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image recording apparatus in which an image isexposed on a photosensitive material, the photosensitive material and animage-receiving material are superposed and heat development transfer iseffected so that an image is obtained on the image-receiving material,comprising:exposure means for exposing the image onto the photosensitivematerial; a stage which holds the photosensitive material; anapplication unit which applies a solvent for image formation onto thephotosensitive material held on said stage; a superposing unit whichsuperposes the image-receiving material on the photosensitive materialheld on said stage; and heating means for heating the photosensitivematerial and the image-receiving material which are superposed togetherand held on said stage.
 2. An image recording apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein said exposure means scan-exposes an image of a documentonto the photosensitive material by moving in one direction relativelyto the photosensitive material.
 3. An image recording apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein said exposure means effects sub-scanningby moving in one direction relatively to the photosensitive material,and effects digital exposure onto said photosensitive material bymain-scanning a light beam in a direction orthogonal to a direction ofthe sub-scanning.
 4. An image recording apparatus according to claim 1,wherein said exposure means effects digital exposure in a slit-shapedform onto the photosensitive material while moving in one directionrelatively to the photosensitive material.
 5. An image recordingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein said exposure means effectsdigital exposure in a planar form onto the photosensitive material. 6.An image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said exposuremeans scan-exposes the image onto the photosensitive material by movingin one direction along the photosensitive material held on said stage.7. An image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein saidapplication unit is positioned at a rear side of said exposure means ina scan-exposure moving direction of said exposure means, and moves alongthe photosensitive material in the same direction as the scan-exposuremoving direction of said exposure means so as to apply the solvent forimage formation onto said photosensitive material.
 8. An image recordingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein said superposing unit ispositioned at a rear said of said application unit in an applicationmoving direction of said application unit, and moves along thephotosensitive material in the same direction as the application movingdirection of said application unit so as to superpose theimage-receiving material on the photosensitive material.
 9. An imagerecording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, at the time ofexposure of the photosensitive material, said heating means raises andmaintains a temperature of the photosensitive material to substantiallythe same temperature as a temperature of said stage.
 10. An imagerecording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said heating means isincorporated within said stage.